Zhang Qiyue, spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that the Chinese side has reasons to urge the US Government to implement in earnest the policy it announced last November and take effective actions to lift these barriers. The United States now restricts satellite exports to China, alleging that China helps other countries develop ballistic missiles.

Zhang made this call while refuting an August 6 report of the Washington Times that a Chinese company exported missile components to Pakistan.

The Chinese Government clearly stated, in November 2000, that China has no intention of assisting in whatever form any country in developing ballistic missiles that can be used for the delivery of nuclear weapons.

She said China has all along been implementing this policy in a serious, earnest and responsible approach. Some individual press in the US frequently spreads some "irresponsible and totally unfounded rumours" and slanders China of engaging in proliferation, which is entirely driven by "ulterior motives."

The Chinese company, China National Machinery & Equipment Import & Export Corporation, issued on Wednesday a solemn statement denying the allegation.

The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery vehicles have an impact on international peace and security, and all countries have the obligation to strictly observe the relevant international legal instruments, Zhang said.

"If any country adopts a selective approach to these legal instruments, it will only undermine the international non-proliferation efforts. It is even more unadvisable to spread irresponsible remarks based on so-called `intelligence' that is fabricated out of thin air in an attempt to exert pressure on other countries," Zhang said.

(Xinhua News Agency 08/10/2001)